Is Disney World’s Grand Floridian the ‘grandest’ choice for you? Here are 8 issues to know

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When you consider essentially the most opulent and iconic of Walt Disney World resorts, there’s probability that photographs of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa dance by way of your head. This resort exudes a Disneyized model of turn-of-the-century Victorian attraction that leans into the usage of gentle colours, excessive ceilings, stained glass, chandeliers and marble. There’s even a cage elevator and occasional dwell piano music to assist additional set the scene.

Yet regardless of the flowery setting, the vibe is neither stuffy nor intimidating. You’ll see bathing suit-clad youngsters squealing by way of the sweeping foyer extra continuously than you’ll see fits and jackets stroll by — although you’ll possible catch a glimpse of these, too, particularly within the evenings as some fortunate diners head to the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s restaurant that calls this resort house.

There may very well be some wholesome debate about whether or not the Grand Floridian is really the grandest of Disney resort inns, however one factor is indeniable: It unquestionably performed a significant position in transitioning Disney into an period of speedy resort growth when it opened in 1988. Prior to its opening, a brand new resort hadn’t been added to Walt Disney World since 1971.

Now that it is getting its flip at some renovations, it is protected to say that the property — which appears to characterize the straightlaced and upbeat theme of the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A., much like how Disney’s Contemporary Resort attracts inspiration from Tomorrowland and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort enjoys influences from Adventureland — is turning into an excellent stronger contender for that prime resort slot.

Almost 35 years after the resort first opened, the bones of the Grand Floridian have held up exceptionally nicely. The white paint and crimson roof exterior look simply as timeless because the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego and different beachside resorts that possible helped encourage the property.

There’s additionally no denying that its spot on the Seven Seas Lagoon, only a stroll or quick monorail experience away from the Magic Kingdom, is among the finest actual property in all of Walt Disney World.

But earlier than you drop $700 or extra per night time to guide a room at this deluxe Disney resort, there are some things it is advisable to know. Here are eight key particulars to concentrate on so you’ll be able to resolve if the Grand Floridian is the suitable Disney resort for you.

Related: Everything it is advisable to learn about visiting Walt Disney World Resort

It’s one of many closest resorts to the Magic Kingdom

While the Grand Floridian isn’t technically the closest resort to the gates of the Magic Kingdom, it’s fairly shut. Only the Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, that are a couple of half-mile away from the park, are nearer, because the Grand Floridian is roughly 0.7 miles away through the newly accomplished walkway.

Depending in your strolling pace, anticipate this stroll to take 10 to fifteen minutes. You will not benefit from a ton of shade and coverings when it is sizzling, humid and/or wet, however you’re going to get an up-close view of the monorail zooming by overhead as you make your method between the resort and the park.

If you’d fairly keep cool and dry, you are in luck, as you can even decide to take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Simply clear safety and board it from the foyer of the Grand Floridian to achieve the Magic Kingdom. Since the park is the subsequent cease on the monorail loop after the Grand Floridian departure level, you will be within the park very quickly.

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The resort is giant and unfold out

Although the Grand Floridian isn’t the most important resort at Disney World, as some properties occupy greater than 200 acres and have 2,000-plus rooms, it’s nonetheless fairly giant by most requirements.

On the Grand Floridian’s 40 acres, you will discover greater than 800 rooms unfold all through the five-story foyer, plus the Sago Cay, Sugarloaf, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key buildings. Additionally, there are a number of Disney Vacation Club villas housed inside a separate constructing on the other facet of the primary Beach Pool.

Needless to say, in case you are staying right here with a gaggle, you would find yourself being fairly unfold aside for those who aren’t cautious with room requests, varieties and picks. I like to recommend choosing rooms within the Sago Cay and Sugarloaf buildings since they’re comparatively near the primary foyer, eating places and dock. These lodging are additionally on the top closest to the Magic Kingdom, so you will have a shorter stroll to the park.

Related: How to save lots of some huge cash by renting Disney Vacation Club factors

There are 2 swimming pools and a water play space

The Grand Floridian has two spectacular swimming pools.

At the primary Beach Pool, which holds greater than 100,000 gallons of water, there are a 181-foot waterslide, waterfalls and a zero-entry space. Plus, you’ll be able to seize meals and drinks from the poolside Beaches Pool Bar & Grill to take pleasure in from a chaise lounge or a rented cabana. Poolside actions like video games and humanities and crafts can be found, too, ought to your loved ones desire some selection when having a pool day.

Additionally, there’s the Courtyard Pool, a big choice behind the primary constructing. It does not have a waterslide or actions occurring, making a quieter environment than what you will discover on the Beach Pool.

Little youngsters may try the Mad Hatter-themed play space, which has a small waterslide, water sprays and a giant water dump bucket that appears like a hat, by the primary pool.

Related: Cool swimming pools and sangria college: 12 issues non-Disney folks can do at Disney World

Rooms are large … and costly

Measuring round 440 sq. toes, normal rooms on the Grand Floridian are the most important normal lodge rooms out there at Walt Disney World. However, this additional house comes at a value, because the rooms are constantly among the many costliest choices discovered at Disney.

Outside of a sale (or reserving through rented DVC factors), it’s fairly widespread to search out normal outer constructing rooms on the Grand Floridian hovering between $600 and $700 per night time. For an upgraded theme park view, anticipate to pay anyplace from $800 to $1,000 per night time. If you’d fairly have membership entry, put together for sticker shock, as club-level rooms in the primary constructing are sometimes greater than $1,000 per night time.

Related: What it is actually like doing Disney World 3 other ways: Budget, reasonable and blow-out luxurious

You’ll discover a number of high-end eating places and facilities

Those who pay the massive pockets charges to remain on the Grand Floridian have quick access to among the most upscale eating places and facilities at Disney World.

Here, you’ll be able to dine at one among Disney’s most unique eating venues: Victoria & Albert’s. The AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant serves gourmand fare through a number of programs dished out for hours in a sublime house that completely matches the Victorian-era design of the property.

Eating at Victoria & Albert’s is an expertise nicely price having — in case your finances permits it and also you’re in a position to snag a coveted reservation. Just you’ll want to costume appropriately (dinner jackets are required) and depart the little ones behind, as youngsters 9 and youthful will not be permitted.

Other must-dos for these visiting with some additional money embrace having fun with a therapy at The Grand Floridian Spa and sipping a cocktail or two at Enchanted Rose, a “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired night lounge positioned in the primary constructing.

Related: The finest eating places at Disney World

Renovations are underway

The old-world look of the Grand Floridian was an intentional design selection for the Victorian-era-inspired property, however after years of welcoming company, it was beginning to present some put on and tear. As a consequence, the resort is now present process a little bit of a renovation.

While the rooms have been final refreshed in 2015, which doesn’t sound all that way back, they lack the extra up to date look of different on-property resorts. So, the resort is engaged on updating its inside to make the lodging extra eye-catching and equip them with modern-day conveniences.

Of the property’s constructions, the Big Pine Key constructing was the primary to be fully renovated. It reopened in the summertime of 2022 as a Disney Vacation Club outpost with studio rooms which are completely stunning.

Each of those rooms sleeps as much as 5 company and is as trendy and useful as it’s beautiful. Decor particulars embrace the usage of jewel tones and garden-inspired patterns, with faint “Mary Poppins” influences sprinkled all through.

The bigger DVC rooms on the Grand Floridian additionally benefited from a refresh just lately, although these upgrades will not be as dramatic because the 200 new DVC studios.

It is feasible to economize … for those who guide the suitable method

Since there are Disney Vacation Club rooms on the Grand Floridian, you’ll be able to probably pay lower than the retail worth. This may be executed by renting factors from an proprietor — both on a 1:1 foundation through a person or by way of a bigger firm like David’s Vacation Club Rentals.

Studio rooms on the Grand Floridian begin at 16 factors per night time, and it is common for DVC factors to lease for round $21 per level as of late. At these charges, the brand new studios would begin at $336 all-in, which is a cut price in comparison with the money charges. Know, although, that you will possible must guide many months upfront for good availability.

If you do not personal or wish to lease DVC factors, do not fret: You may keep within the new Grand Floridian resort studios by reserving straight. The trick right here is to be sure to are reserving this precise resort studio room sort and to order as far upfront as attainable to safe decrease charges. Prices typically begin round $700 per night time, which is normally about the identical as the usual lodge rooms at this resort.

Since there are various particulars concerned with reserving a Disney trip, think about making your reservation through a free Disney trip planner, resembling TPG’s companion Mouse Counselors, for those who plan on paying with money. They is not going to solely be sure to guide the right lodging however may aid you get monetary savings by passing alongside reductions and modifying reservations ought to costs drop.

Related: 6 methods utilizing a certified Disney trip planner will enhance your journey

The property is additional magical (and standard) across the holidays

For me, the most effective time to remain on the Grand Floridian is, with out query, in late November and December. This time of yr is when the resort shines the brightest because of its huge tree, life-size gingerbread home, poinsettias, garland and different festive decorations.

Not solely are you able to admire the vacation view, however you can even buy a gingerbread shingle from the life-size home to take pleasure in as a snack.

As an added bonus, the property’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom means it is one of many best to remain at when going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Related: Holiday magic with out spending masses of cash: 7 free (or very low-cost) Disney World Christmas actions

Bottom line

The Grand Floridian is the place Disney World nonetheless feels fairly magical, particularly within the renovated sections.

While some areas are a bit extra dated than others, the facilities, service and choices are nonetheless price experiencing in particular person. After all, the resort provides many moments the place you’ll be able to really feel like a Disney prince or princess, whether or not you are strolling up its foremost staircase, getting pampered within the spa or simply sitting on the couch and listening as dwell piano music fills the foyer.

Being only a quick stroll or monorail experience from the Magic Kingdom provides to the resort’s enchantment. No different property at Disney World provides fairly as enjoyable of a setting so near the parks because the Grand Floridian, cementing its recognition as a top-notch Disney resort.

However, all of this comes at a steep value, so be sure to do your homework earlier than you guide to make sure you’re getting essentially the most bang in your buck by opting to remain right here. If you’ll be able to’t fairly swing a keep, you’ll be able to all the time pop by for a number of hours to stroll round or seize a chew to eat on the property.